Showing Your ID at a Japanese Hotel

Do you reside in Japan? If so, have you ever been asked to show your passport or alien registration card upon checking into a hotel? If that's the case, be sure to provide the information below to the hotel staff. I recommend that you carry a copy of this notice in your wallet or purse, on your iPhone (or other device) or laptop computer.

Request for producing of passports, etc. for identification purposesMinistry of Health, Labour and Welfare

Since April 1, 2005, under the relevant laws and regulations, the Japanese Government is requiring “foreign nationals who do not possess an address in Japan” to provide their ＊nationality and ＊passport number in addition to their ＊name, ＊address, and ＊occupation, etc. and produce and make a copy of their passport upon checking in at lodgings. Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated.パスポート呈示等のお願い

厚生労働省

日本政府は、法令に基づき、2005年4月1日から「日本国内に住所を持たない外国人」の方の宿泊に際しては、＊氏名　＊住所　＊職業　等の記載に加えて＊国籍　及び　＊旅券番号　の記載とパスポートの呈示及びコピーを義務付けましたので、ご理解、ご協力をお願いいたします。

Source:  http://www.mhlw.go.jp/bunya/kenkou/seikatsu-eisei26/01.htmlAdditional information at: http://www.debito.org/?p=5733